Baitcaster with spool drive mechanism

ABSTRACT

A baitcaster includes a body, a spool, a handle, and a drive. The body defines a proximate end and a distal end opposite the proximate end. The spool extends between the proximate end and the distal end. The handle extends from the proximate end and is configured to receive an input torque. The drive is configured to receive the input torque from the handle at the proximate end and drive the spool through a coupling at the distal end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/916,574, filed Oct. 17, 2019, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to fishing reels. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to baitcasting fishingreels.

SUMMARY

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to abaitcaster. The baitcaster includes a body, a spool, a handle, and adrive. The body defines a proximate end and a distal end opposite theproximate end. The spool extends between the proximate end and thedistal end. The handle extends from the proximate end and is configuredto receive an input torque. The drive is configured to receive the inputtorque from the handle at the proximate end and drive the spool througha coupling at the distal end.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a fishing rod.The fishing rod includes a rod and a baitcaster coupled with the rod.The baitcaster includes a body, a spool, a handle, and a spool drivemechanism. The body defines a handle end and a distal end opposite thehandle end. The spool extends between the handle end and the distal end.The handle extends from the handle end and is configured to receive aninput torque. The spool drive mechanism is configured to receive theinput torque from the handle at the handle end, and drive the spoolthrough a coupling at the distal end.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a baitcaster.The baitcaster includes a body, a spool, and a spool drive mechanism.The body defines a handle end and a distal end opposite the handle end.The spool extends between the handle end and the distal end. The spooldrive mechanism is configured to receive the input torque from a handleat the handle end, and drive the spool through a coupling at the distalend. The spool engagement mechanism is configured to selectivelytransition between a first state and a second state to fixedly couple orde-couple the spool with an output of the spool drive mechanism at thedistal end of the baitcaster.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a baitcaster, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the baitcaster of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the baitcaster of FIG. 1 including a spooldrive mechanism and a spool engagement mechanism, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of the baitcaster of FIG. 3,showing the spool engagement mechanism in greater detail, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the baitcaster of FIG. 3, showing thespool engagement mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective sectional view of the baitcaster of FIG. 1,showing the spool engagement mechanism, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the baitcaster of FIG. 1, showing thespool engagement mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective sectional view of the baitcaster of FIG. 1,showing the spool engagement mechanism, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the baitcaster of FIG. 1 including aplunger sub-assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of the plunger sub-assembly ofFIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the FIGURES, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the FIGURES. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Overview

Referring generally to the FIGURES, a fishing reel includes an elongatedmember or a fishing rod and a baitcaster apparatus. The baitcasterapparatus is fixedly coupled with the fishing rod and is configured toreceive a torque input from a user to retrieve or take-up fishing linethat extends along the fishing rod. The fishing line may extend throughone or more eyelets that are positioned along the fishing rod and guidethe fishing line towards the baitcaster apparatus for winding or take-uponto the spool.

The baitcaster apparatus may include body members and structuralmembers. The body members may be spaced apart and cooperatively definean inner volume in which a spool drive mechanism is disposed. The spooldrive mechanism can include a gear set positioned at least partiallywithin the spool. The spool drive mechanism may include or be configuredto interact with a spool engagement mechanism. The spool drive mechanismincludes an input shaft that extends through a first side of thebaitcaster (e.g., through the body and structural members on the firstside) and is rotatably coupled (e.g., fixedly) with a handle. The handlemay receive an input torque from the user to spin the input shaft. Theinput shaft transfers input torque received from the handle to the gearset that is positioned within the body and/or structural members orextends through the body and/or structural members. The gear set outputstorque through an output shaft. The spool can include a central portionor a spool shaft that includes teeth, engagement portions, interlockingportions, etc. The spool engagement mechanism includes a collar or anengagement member that is rotatably fixedly coupled with the outputshaft, but is translatable along the output shaft. For example, theengagement member can include recesses and/or protrusions that extendlongitudinally along an inner periphery or an inner surface of theengagement member. The output shaft may include correspondinglongitudinal grooves and/or longitudinal protrusions that interlock withthe recesses, grooves, protrusions, etc., of the engagement member. Inthis way, the engagement member and the output shaft may be rotatablyfixedly coupled with each other, but translatable relative to each other(e.g., through a spline connection).

The engagement member may be selectably translatable along the outputshaft between a first longitudinal position (e.g., a take-up position,an engaged position, etc.) and a second longitudinal position (e.g., alet-out position, a dis-engaged position, etc.). When the engagementmember is in the first longitudinal position, the output shaft and thespool are rotatably fixedly coupled. When the engagement member is inthe second longitudinal position, the output shaft and the spool arede-coupled from each other. In this way, translation of the engagementmember between the first longitudinal position and the secondlongitudinal position can selectably rotatably fixedly couple the spoolwith the output shaft.

The engagement member can include a corresponding interfacing portion,teeth, interlocking members, longitudinal protrusions, longitudinalrecesses, etc., that may be configured to interlock with the spool shaftwhen the engagement member is transitioned or translated into the firstlongitudinal position along the output shaft. In some embodiments, thebaitcaster apparatus includes a lever, a bar, a button, etc., that canbe depressed, moved, rotated, etc., by the user. In this way, the usermay press, rotate, move, etc., the lever, bar, button, etc., totranslate or transition the engagement member between the take-upposition and the let-out position to selectably rotatably fixedly couplethe spool with the output shaft. When the spool is rotatably de-coupledfrom the output shaft, the spool and the output shaft are free to rotaterelative to each other.

The engagement member may rotatably fixedly couple with the spool at anend, side, or portion of the baitcaster apparatus that is opposite ahandle side of the baitcaster apparatus. In this way, the baitcasterapparatus may receive input torque from a first side, while the spool isdriven from a second, opposite, side of the baitcaster apparatus.

Baitcaster

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-3, a fishing reel, a baitcasting reel,a baitcaster, etc., shown as fishing reel 10 includes a rod, a pole, anelongated member, a flexible member, etc., shown as rod 14 and a reelapparatus, a reel mechanism, a reel assembly, a fishing line retrievalapparatus, etc., shown as reel 12. Reel 12 is fixedly coupled, attached,mounted, etc., with rod 14. In some embodiments, reel 12 is fixedlycoupled with rod 14 through mounts, attachment members, etc., shown asmount 18. Mount 18 may extend from a bottom portion of reel 12 andfixedly couple with rod 14.

Reel 12 includes a spool, a barrel, a cylindrical member, etc., shown asspool 20. Spool 20 may be rotatably coupled with an input shaft, arotatable shaft, a shaft, etc., shown as input shaft 32 such that spool20 rotates when input shaft 32 is turned. In some embodiments, inputshaft 32 is rotatably or fixedly coupled with a handle 36. An axis 22extends through input shaft 32 and spool 20. Input shaft 32 and spool 20can be co-axial with each other about axis 22. Handle 36 facilitates aninput torque to input shaft 32 about axis 22 for driving spool 20. Insome embodiments, handle 36 and input shaft 32 are configured to rotatein a first direction (e.g., direction 24) to take-up fishing line 26 sothat fishing line 26 is wound onto spool 20.

Fishing line 26 can extend along rod 14 and may be guided by one or moreeyelets 46. Eyelets 46 can be positioned along rod 14 and can include anopening, a hole, an aperture, etc., through which fishing line 26passes. Fishing line 26 may extend from an eyelet 46 that is mostproximate reel 12 onto spool 20. Rod 14 defines a central axis 34 thatextends longitudinally through a center of rod 14. Fishing line 26 maybe guided from eyelet 46 that is most proximate reel 12 to spool 20.Fishing line 26 that is between the eyelet 46 most proximate reel 12 andcentral axis 34 may define an angle θ. The angle θ may change from amaximum positive value θ_(+,max) to a maximum negative value θ_(−,max)as fishing line 26 is taken up or reeled onto spool 20.

Reel 12 includes a first or a handle-side body member, housing member,structural member, etc., shown as first body member 28, and a secondbody member, housing member, structural member, etc., shown as secondbody member 30. First body member 28 and second body member 30 candefine opposite sides of reel 12. Spool 20 can be positioned betweenfirst body member 28 and second body member 30 and may extend betweenfirst body member 28 and second body member 30. Spool 20 can besupported or rotatably coupled on either end with first body member 28and second body member 30. Spool 20 may rotate relative to first bodymember 28 and second body member 30.

Reel 12 includes a guide member 900 that is configured to extend betweenfirst body member 28 and second body member 30 and be driven to rotateby rotation of handle 36. In some embodiments, guide member 900 isconfigured to engage fishing line 26 at a contact point 901. Fishingline 26 may be guided onto spool 20 from contact point 901. For example,fishing line 26 may extend from contact point 901 onto spool 20 where itis then wound onto spool 20. Rotation of guide member 900 can result inreciprocative translation of contact point 901. For example, as guidemember 900 rotates, contact point 901 may shift back and forth alongguide member 900 between opposite ends of guide member 900. In this way,fishing line 26 is guided and wound onto spool 20 along an entirelongitudinal length of spool 20, thereby facilitating an evendistribution of fishing line 26 on spool 20 and reducing knotting and/orbunching of fishing line 26 on spool 20 (e.g., an uneven distribution offishing line 26). Evenly distributing and winding fishing line 26 onspool 20 can reduce a likelihood of fishing line 26 snagging, knotting,or becoming tangled when fishing line 26 is let out (e.g., released)from spool 20 (e.g., for casting operations).

Referring still to FIGS. 1-2, input shaft 32 extends through first bodymember 28 and protrudes outwards from first body member 28. Handle 36 iscoupled with input shaft 32 exterior of first body member 28 so thathandle 36 can be operated by a fisherman's right hand while rod 14 isheld by the fisherman's left hand. In other embodiments, input shaft 32extends outwards through second body member 30 so that handle 36 isoperated by the fisherman's left hand while rod 14 is held by thefisherman's right hand.

Input shaft 32 is configured to turn and drive rotation of spool 20through a spool drive mechanism, a compound planetary gear assembly, agear train, a gear assembly, etc., shown as spool drive mechanism 100.Spool drive mechanism 100 can be configured to receive torque from inputshaft 32 and transfer the torque to spool 20 so that spool 20 rotates totake up or wind fishing line 26 onto spool 20.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, reel 12 includes an input member, abar, a rotatable linkage, a translatable member, a lever, a button,etc., shown as lever 38. Lever 38 may extend between first body member28 and second body member 30 and may be pivotable, rotatable, and/ortranslatable between a first position and a second position. In someembodiments, lever 38 is configured to be transitioned between the firstposition and the second position to selectively couple input shaft 32with spool 20.

Referring still to FIG. 1, reel 12 can include a first structuralmember, a first frame member, etc., shown as first frame member 40, anda second structural member, a second frame member, etc., shown as secondframe member 42. First frame member 40 and second frame member 42 can beparallel with each other and may both extend in a longitudinal directionthat is defined by central axis 34. First frame member 40 and secondframe member 42 may be positioned within first body member 28 and secondbody member 30, respectively or may be positioned within an inner volumethat is at least partially defined by first body member 28 and secondbody member 30.

Referring still to FIG. 1, reel 12 can include a central body member, acentral housing, etc., shown as body member 44. In some embodiments,body member 44 extends between first body member 28 and second bodymember 30. First body member 28 and body member 44 may cooperativelydefine a first inner volume in which first frame member 40 ispositioned. Second body member 30 and body member 44 may cooperativelydefine a second inner volume in which second frame member 42 ispositioned.

Spool Drive Mechanism Spool Engagement Mechanism

Referring particularly to FIGS. 3-8, spool drive mechanism 100 includesa gear set 200, a collar 102, and a one-way bearing, clutch, spragbearing, sprag clutch, etc., shown as one-way bearing 104. Gear set 200is positioned at least partially within an inner volume of spool 20 andwithin an inner volume defined by an inner body member 254, body member44, and first body member 28. Gear set 200 can be a planetary gear setor any other gear train, gear box, or gear configuration that isconfigured to receive input torque or rotational kinetic energy frominput shaft 32. Gear set 200 is configured to receive the input torqueor the rotational kinetic energy from input shaft 32 and transfer theinput torque to an output shaft 214.

Output shaft 214 may extend through an inner volume of spool 20 definedby a central member, a cylindrical member, a central sleeve, etc., ofspool 20, shown as spool shaft 250. Spool shaft 250 is rotatably coupledwith spool shaft 250 through one or more bearings, ball bearings, rollerbearings, etc., shown as spool bearings 230. A radially outwards facingsurface of an outer race of spool bearings 230 is rotatably fixedlycoupled (e.g., press fit, keyed, slip fit, etc.) with a radially inwardsfacing surface of spool shaft 250. A radially inwards facing surface ofan inner race of spool bearings 230 is rotatably fixedly coupled with aradially outwards facing surface of output shaft 214. In someembodiments, the output shaft 214 is configured to selectably rotatefreely relative to spool 20. For example, spool 20 and output shaft 214may be configured to rotate freely relative to each other when reel 12is transitioned into a let-out state. In some embodiments, spool 20 andoutput shaft 214 are configured to rotate in unison when reel 12 istransitioned into a take-out state.

Referring still to FIGS. 3-8, spool drive mechanism 100 includes a spoolengagement mechanism 400, according to an exemplary embodiment. Spoolengagement mechanism 400 is configured to transition between a firststate (e.g., a take-up state) to rotatably fixedly couple spool 20 withoutput shaft 214 and a second state (e.g., a let-out state) to de-couplespool 20 and output shaft 214. Spool engagement mechanism 400 includes afirst member, an engagement member, a spool shaft engagement member, acollar, etc., shown as engagement member 402. Engagement member 402includes an inner volume, a central aperture, a through-hole, etc.,shown as central volume 414 through which output shaft 214 extends.Output shaft 214 and engagement member 402 may extend through anaperture, an inner volume, a hole, a bore, a window, an opening, etc.,of second frame member 42, shown as opening 430.

Output shaft 214 is configured to engage, interface with, etc., one ormore output gears of gear set 200 at a first or proximate end. Outputshaft 214 is supported and rotatably coupled at a second or distal endwith second body member 30. Output shaft 214 can be supported at thesecond or distal end with second body member 30 through a bearing 295.The first or proximate end of output shaft 214 can include teeth 240that are configured to engage corresponding gears, teeth, etc., of gearset 200.

Engagement member 402 is configured to slidably couple with output shaft214 such that engagement member 402 can translate along output shaft214. In some embodiments, engagement member 402 is rotatably fixedlycoupled with output shaft 214 (e.g., through a spline coupling, a splineconnection, a keyed connection, etc.) so that engagement member 402 isconfigured to rotate in unison with rotation of output shaft 214. Inthis way, engagement member 402 may be free to translate along outputshaft 214 in a longitudinal direction defined by axis 22, while beingrotatably fixedly coupled with output shaft 214.

Spool engagement mechanism 400 includes an adjustment member, a linkage,a bar, an elongated member, etc., shown as linkage 404. Linkage 404 isconfigured to drive engagement member 402 to translate along outputshaft 214. In some embodiments, linkage 404 is configured to driveengagement member 402 to translate between a first longitudinal positionon output shaft 214 and a second longitudinal position on output shaft214.

Engagement member 402 includes an outwards facing surface, an exteriorface, a contact surface, an engagement surface, etc., shown asengagement surface 410. A spring (e.g., a compression spring), shown asfirst spring 412 is positioned between engagement member 402 and bearing295 and is configured to engage, contact, abut, etc., engagement surface410 of engagement member 402 and bearing 295. First spring 412 may beconfigured to bias or drive engagement member 402 to translate alongoutput shaft 214 in direction 422. Engagement member 402 also includes abore, a blind hole, an aperture, etc., that extends into a side ofengagement member 402 that is opposite engagement surface 410. The blindhole may have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of centralvolume 414, thereby defining a shoulder or a step 418 at a transitionbetween central volume 414 and the blind hole.

Spool engagement mechanism 400 can include a second spring 416 (e.g., acompression spring) that is configured to engage, abut, contact, etc.,step 418 of engagement member 402 at a first end, and engage, abut,contact, etc., one of spool bearings 230 at a second or opposite end.Second spring 416 can be configured to bias or drive engagement member402 to translate along output shaft 214 in a direction 420 that isopposite direction 422. In this way, first spring 412 is configured todrive or bias engagement member 402 to translate in direction 422, whilesecond spring 416 is configured to drive or bias engagement member 402to translate in direction 420. In some embodiments, second spring 416has a stiffness that is less than a stiffness of first spring 412.

Engagement member 402 includes an inwards end 424 that is oppositeengagement surface 410. Spool shaft 250 includes an outwards end 406that is proximate inwards end 424 of engagement member 402. Outwards end406 of spool shaft 250 may include an interfacing portion 426 that isconfigured to interlock with a corresponding interfacing portion 428 ofengagement member 402. For example, interfacing portion 426 of spoolshaft 250 and interfacing portion 428 of engagement member 402 can beteeth or longitudinal protrusions that are configured to interlock witheach other when engagement member 402 is transitioned into the firstlongitudinal position. When engagement member 402 is transitioned intothe first longitudinal position along output shaft 214, interfacingportion 428 of engagement member 402 interlocks with, or rotatablyfixedly couples with interfacing portion 426 of spool shaft 250. Whenengagement member 402 is transitioned into the second longitudinalposition along output shaft 214, interfacing portion 426 of spool shaft250 and interfacing portion 428 of engagement member 402 are de-coupledfrom each other such that spool shaft 250 and output shaft 214 are freeto rotate relative to each other. In some embodiments, when engagementmember 402 is transitioned or translated to the first longitudinalposition along output shaft 214 such that engagement member 402 andspool shaft 250 are interlocked, spool bearings 230 rotate in unisonwith spool shaft 250, spool 20, and engagement member 402.

In some embodiments, engagement member 402 includes an annular groove408. Annular groove 408 is configured to receive a correspondinglyshaped portion of linkage 404 therewithin. Linkage 404 can be driven totranslate or rotate by lever 38. For example, when lever 38 is pressedor translated to a first position (e.g., downwards), linkage 404 drivesengagement member 402 to translate along output shaft 214 (e.g., indirection 420 or in direction 422) between the first longitudinalposition and the second longitudinal position along output shaft 214. Insome embodiments, pressing, moving, or rotating lever 38 downwards intothe first position drives linkage 404 to translate in direction 420 toan engaged position (i.e., the first longitudinal position), whilelifting, moving, or rotating lever 38 upwards into the second positiondrives linkage 404 to translate in direction 422 to a disengagedposition (i.e., the second longitudinal position). In other embodiments,pressing, moving, or rotating lever 38 downwards into the first positiondrives linkage 404 to translate in direction 422 to the disengagedposition (i.e., the second longitudinal position), while lifting,moving, or rotating lever 38 upwards into the second position driveslinkage 404 to translate in direction 420 to the engaged position (i.e.,the first longitudinal position).

Referring still to FIGS. 3-8, input shaft 32 can be driven by spinninghandle 36 in direction 24. Input shaft 32 receives rotational kineticenergy or torque from a first end, a proximate end, a handle end, etc.,of reel 12, shown as handle end 274. Handle end 274 may be a side,portion, or end of reel 12 that is proximate handle 36. In someembodiments, input shaft 32 receives the torque input from an end ofreel 12 that is proximate first body member 28 or first frame member 40.The torque input that is received by input shaft 32 is transferredthrough gear set 200 to spool 20. The torque may be increased ordecreased across gear set 200 before it is provided to spool 20 to drivespool 20 for taking-up or reeling fishing line 26.

The torque may be provided to spool 20 at a second end, a second side, adistal end, a distal portion, etc., of reel 12, shown as distal end 276.The torque may be provided to spool 20 to drive spool 20 through theengagement between spool shaft 250 and engagement member 402. In someembodiments, the torque is provided to spool 20 at spool shaft 250 byselectably rotatably fixedly coupling spool 20 and output shaft 214(e.g., by transitioning engagement member 402 into the firstlongitudinal position) and driving output shaft 214, thereby drivingspool shaft 250 and spool 20. In some embodiments, distal end 276 is aside or end of reel 12 that is opposite handle end 274. For example,spool 20 may receive input torque from output shaft 214 throughengagement member 402 at an end, side, or portion, of reel 12 that isproximate second body member 30, second frame member 42, etc. In thisway, input torque is provided to input shaft 32 from a first end or afirst side of reel 12 (i.e., handle end 274), while spool 20 is drivento rotate about axis 22 from a second end or distal side of reel 12(i.e., distal end 276).

Advantageously, driving spool 20 from an end, side, or portion of reel12 that is opposite handle end 274 facilitates an evenly weighted reel12. For example, a weight of handle 36 may be countered or balanced by aweight of engagement member 402. In some embodiments, moments producedby handle 36 counter, equal, or balance with moments produced byengagement member 402.

Plunger Sub-Assembly

Referring particularly to FIGS. 9 and 10, reel 12 or spool drivemechanism 100 can include a plunger sub-assembly 300. Plungersub-assembly 300 may be centered about axis 22. Plunger sub-assembly 300may be positioned at least partially within spool 20. In someembodiments, plunger sub-assembly 300 includes a flange member, areceiving member, etc., shown as flange member 310. Plunger sub-assembly300 can also include an intermediate member, a rotatable member, etc.,shown as intermediate member 308. In some embodiments, flange member 310includes a central aperture, a central volume, a bore, etc., shown ascentral volume 332. Central volume 332 is configured to receive acorresponding portion of intermediate member 308 therewithin. In someembodiments, flange member 310 and intermediate member 308 slidably orrotatably couple with each other such that intermediate member 308 canrotate relative to flange member 310.

Central volume 332 can have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds toan outer periphery of intermediate member 308. In some embodiments,flange member 310 includes a first portion, a radial protrusion portion,an annular protrusion, etc., shown as annular protrusion 324. Flangemember 310 can include a cylindrical portion, a longitudinally extendingportion, a second portion, etc., shown as longitudinally extendingportion 326. Longitudinally extending portion 326 may extend from and beintegrally formed with annular protrusion 324. Longitudinally extendingportion 326 may extend longitudinally along axis 22 while annularprotrusion 324 extends outwards from longitudinally extending portion326 in a radially outwards direction.

Longitudinally extending portion 326 may define central volume 332 andcan include one or more interfacing portions, coupling portions, etc.,shown as interfacing portions 328. In some embodiments, interfacingportions 328 are positioned along an inner surface of longitudinallyextending portion 326, or along an inner surface of central volume 332(e.g., along a radially inwards facing surface). Interfacing portions328 may be stepped cylindrical portions that are integrally formed withlongitudinally extending portion 326 or with flange member 310 at theradially inwards facing surface defined by central volume 332.Interfacing portions 328 may each include an aperture, a bore, a blindhole, an inner volume, etc., shown as receiving aperture 330. In someembodiments, receiving apertures 330 are each configured to receive acorresponding fastener therethrough and facilitate removable fixedcoupling between intermediate member 308 and flange ember 310.

Plunger sub-assembly 300 also includes several fasteners 302, severalcylindrical or pin members 304, and several springs or tensile members,shown as springs 306. In some embodiments, springs 306 are compressionsprings that are configured to exert an expansive force when compressed.Fasteners 302 may extend through springs 306 and may fixedly couple(e.g., threadingly couple) with interfacing portions 328 throughreceiving apertures 330. In some embodiments, intermediate member 308includes longitudinally extending tabs, protrusions, etc., shown as tabs312 that include a radially outwards facing surface configured toslidably couple or frictionally interface with a corresponding radiallyinwards facing surface defined by central volume 332.

Intermediate member 308 includes receiving bores, blind holes, etc.,shown as bores 316. In some embodiments, a number of bores 316 is equalto a number of pin members 304. Pin members 304 can be received withinbores 316 and slidably couple with intermediate member 308 such that pinmembers 304 can slide within bores 316. In some embodiments, pin members304 are configured to engage, directly contact, etc., a correspondingportion of spool 20. In some embodiments, pin members 304 include a stepor an annular protrusion to facilitate preventing complete insertion ofpin members 304 into bores 316.

Intermediate member 308 includes a central volume, a central aperture, awindow, an opening, etc., shown as central window 318. In someembodiments, central window 318 has the shape of a slot. Intermediatemember 308 can include engagement portions 320 that each include a bore,a through-hole, etc., shown as through-holes 322 configured to align andreceive fasteners 302 therethrough. In some embodiments, through-holes322 have a diameter that is substantially equal to or greater than anouter diameter of fasteners 302 but is less than springs 306. In thisway, springs 306 can be positioned between a stepped end of fasteners302 and engagement portions 320. Tabs 312 can have an outer periphery oran outer shape that corresponds to an inner periphery or an inner shapeof central volume 332 so that tabs 312 are received within centralvolume 332.

Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claim.

It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as usedherein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thesystems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the components described herein may be constructed fromany of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, andcombinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present inventions. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the presentdisclosure or from the spirit of the appended claim.

1. A baitcaster comprising: a body defining a proximate end and a distalend opposite the proximate end; a spool extending between the proximateend and the distal end, wherein the spool comprises an inner volume anda spool shaft having a central bore, the spool shaft positionedcentrally within the spool; a handle extending from the proximate endand configured to receive an input torque; and a drive configured toreceive the input torque from the handle at the proximate end, and drivethe spool through a coupling at the distal end, wherein the drivecomprises a gear set positioned within the body and at least partiallywithin the inner volume of the spool, the gear set configured to receivethe input torque through the handle and an input shaft at a proximateend of the gear set, the gear set further configured to output an outputtorque to an output shaft extending from a distal end of the gear set.2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. The baitcaster of claim 1, wherein theoutput shaft extends through the central bore of the spool shaft, theoutput shaft selectably rotatably coupled with the spool.
 5. Thebaitcaster of claim 1, wherein the drive comprises a spool engagementmechanism at an end of the spool shaft that is proximate the distal endof the body, the spool engagement mechanism configured to transitionbetween a first state to fixedly couple the spool with the output shaftso that the spool and the output shaft rotate in unison and a secondstate to de-couple the spool from the output shaft so that the spool andthe output shaft are configured to rotate relative to each other.
 6. Thebaitcaster of claim 5, wherein the spool engagement mechanism comprises:an engagement member configured to translate along the output shaftbetween a first position and a second position, the engagement memberfixedly coupled with the output shaft and comprising an interfacingportion configured to engage an interfacing portion of the spool shaft,wherein the interfacing portion of the engagement member and theinterfacing portion of the spool shaft are configured to interlock witheach other to rotatably fixedly couple the output shaft with the spoolso that the output shaft and the spool rotate in unison when theengagement member is in the first position.
 7. The baitcaster of claim6, wherein the engagement member comprises an annular groove configuredto receive a corresponding portion of a linkage.
 8. The baitcaster ofclaim 6, wherein the spool engagement mechanism further comprises aspring configured to bias the engagement member into the first position.9. The baitcaster of claim 7, wherein the linkage is positioned at thedistal end of the body, the linkage configured to receive a user inputto transition the engagement member between the first position and thesecond position.
 10. A fishing rod comprising: a rod; and a baitcastercoupled with the rod, the baitcaster comprising: a body defining ahandle end and a distal end opposite the handle end; a spool extendingbetween the handle end and the distal end, wherein the spool comprisesan inner volume and a spool shaft having a central bore, the spool shaftpositioned centrally within the spool; a handle extending from thehandle end and configured to receive an input torque; a spool drivemechanism configured to receive the input torque from the handle at thehandle end, and drive the spool through a coupling at the distal end,wherein the spool drive mechanism comprises a gear set positioned withinthe body and at least partially within the inner volume of the spool,the gear set configured to receive the input torque through the handleand an input shaft at a handle end of the gear set, the gear set furtherconfigured to output an output torque to an output shaft extending froma distal end of the gear set.
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. Thefishing rod of claim 10, wherein the output shaft extends through thecentral bore of the spool shaft, the output shaft selectably rotatablycoupled with the spool.
 14. The fishing rod of claim 10, wherein thespool drive mechanism comprises a spool engagement mechanism at an endof the spool shaft that is proximate the distal end of the body, thespool engagement mechanism configured to transition between a firststate to fixedly couple the spool with the output shaft so that thespool and the output shaft rotate in unison and a second state tode-couple the spool from the output shaft so that the spool and theoutput shaft are configured to rotate relative to each other.
 15. Thefishing rod of claim 14, wherein the spool engagement mechanismcomprises: an engagement member configured to translate along the outputshaft between a first position and a second position, the engagementmember fixedly coupled with the output shaft and comprising aninterfacing portion configured to engage an interfacing portion of thespool shaft, wherein the interfacing portion of the engagement memberand the interfacing portion of the spool shaft are configured tointerlock with each other to rotatably fixedly couple the output shaftwith the spool so that the output shaft and the spool rotate in unisonwhen the engagement member is in the first position.
 16. The fishing rodof claim 15, wherein the engagement member comprises an annular grooveconfigured to receive a corresponding portion of a linkage.
 17. Thefishing rod of claim 15, wherein the spool engagement mechanism furthercomprises a spring configured to bias the engagement member into thefirst position.
 18. The fishing rod of claim 16, wherein the linkage ispositioned at the distal end of the body, the linkage configured toreceive a user input to transition the engagement member between thefirst position and the second position.
 19. A baitcaster comprising: abody defining a handle end and a distal end opposite the handle end; aspool extending between the handle end and the distal end; a spool drivemechanism configured to receive the input torque from a handle at thehandle end, and drive the spool through a coupling at the distal end,the spool drive mechanism comprising: a spool engagement mechanismconfigured to selectively transition between a first state and a secondstate, to fixedly couple or de-couple the spool with an output of thespool drive mechanism at the distal end of the baitcaster; wherein thespool drive mechanism drives the spool through an engagement member, theengagement member translatable between a first position and a secondposition along an output shaft of the spool drive mechanism, theengagement member configured to fixedly couple the spool with the outputshaft when in the first position and de-couple the spool from the outputshaft when transitioned out of the first position and into the secondposition.
 20. (canceled)